6 Things You Need to Know Before You Design a RC Plane

Have you ever dreamed of flying your own remote-controlled plane?

Do you want to learn how to design and build one from scratch?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you.

In this article, you will learn the basics of RC plane design, including the main components, the calculations, and the tips and tricks.

You will also see some examples of RC plane designs that you can use as inspiration or modify to suit your preferences.

By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of how to design your own RC plane and what to consider before you start building it.

Ready to take off?

Let’s get started!

What is an RC Plane?

An RC plane, or a radio-controlled plane, is a small model aircraft that can be controlled remotely using a transmitter and a receiver.

The transmitter sends signals to the receiver, which then activates the servos and the motor of the plane.

The servos control the movement of the control surfaces, such as the ailerons, the elevator, and the rudder.

The motor provides the thrust to propel the plane forward.

RC planes come in different shapes, sizes, and styles.

Some are designed to look like real planes, while others are more creative and unique. Some are made of balsa wood, while others are made of foam board or 3D printed parts.

Some are powered by electric motors, while others use gas engines or even jet turbines.

RC planes are popular among hobbyists and enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill of flying and the challenge of building their own models.

RC planes can also be used for educational purposes, such as teaching aerodynamics, physics, and engineering.

What are the Main Components of an RC Plane?

An RC plane consists of several main components that work together to make it fly.

These are:

• The wing: The wing is the part that generates lift, which is the force that keeps the plane in the air. The wing has a chord, which is the width of the wing, and a span, which is the length of the wing. The wing also has a leading edge, which is the front edge of the wing, and a trailing edge, which is the rear edge of the wing. The wing may have control surfaces, such as ailerons, which are used to roll the plane left or right, and flaps, which are used to increase lift and drag at low speeds.
• The fuselage: The fuselage is the body of the plane, which holds the other components together. The fuselage has a nose, which is the front part of the plane, and a tail, which is the rear part of the plane. The fuselage may also have a cockpit, which is the place where the pilot sits, and a canopy, which is the transparent cover that protects the cockpit.
• The tail: The tail is the part that stabilizes the plane and controls its pitch and yaw. The tail has a horizontal stabilizer, which is a small wing that is perpendicular to the main wing, and a vertical stabilizer, which is a small wing that is parallel to the main wing. The tail also has control surfaces, such as the elevator, which is used to pitch the plane up or down, and the rudder, which is used to yaw the plane left or right.
• The motor: The motor is the part that provides the power to the plane. The motor may be electric, gas, or jet, depending on the type and size of the plane. The motor is connected to a propeller, which is a device that converts the rotational motion of the motor into thrust, which is the force that pushes the plane forward.
• The battery: The battery is the part that supplies the electricity to the plane. The battery may be rechargeable or disposable, depending on the type and size of the plane. The battery is connected to the motor, the receiver, and the servos, which are the devices that control the movement of the control surfaces.
• The transmitter: The transmitter is the part that sends the signals to the plane. The transmitter is held by the pilot, who uses the sticks, the switches, and the knobs to control the plane. The transmitter may have different channels, which are the frequencies that are used to communicate with the plane. The transmitter may also have different modes, which are the configurations that determine how the sticks control the plane.
• The receiver: The receiver is the part that receives the signals from the transmitter. The receiver is mounted on the plane, and is connected to the servos and the motor. The receiver may have different channels, which correspond to the channels of the transmitter. The receiver may also have different features, such as telemetry, which is the ability to send back information to the transmitter, such as the battery voltage, the altitude, and the speed of the plane.

How to Design Your Own RC Plane?

Designing your own RC plane can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also requires some knowledge and skills.

Here are some steps that you can follow to design your own RC plane:

1. Step 1: Find a purpose for your plane. Before you start designing your plane, you need to have a clear idea of what you want your plane to do. Do you want it to be fast or slow? Do you want it to be agile or stable? Do you want it to be simple or complex? Do you want it to look realistic or creative? Having a purpose for your plane will help you choose the right components, the right dimensions, and the right style for your plane.
2. Step 2: Pick your electronics. The next step is to choose the electronics that you will use for your plane. You need to pick a motor, a battery, an ESC (electronic speed controller), a receiver, a transmitter, and servos that are suitable for your plane. You need to consider the size, the weight, the power, the voltage, the current, the thrust, the flight time, and the compatibility of your electronics. You can use online calculators, such as this one, to help you find the optimal combination of your electronics.
3. Step 3: Estimate the total weight of your plane. Once you have chosen your electronics, you can estimate the total weight of your plane by adding up the weight of each component. You also need to add some margin for the weight of the materials, such as the wood, the foam, or the plastic, that you will use to build your plane. Knowing the total weight of your plane will help you calculate the wing loading, which is the ratio of the weight of the plane to the area of the wing. The wing loading affects the performance of your plane, such as the lift, the drag, the speed, and the stall. Generally, a lower wing loading means a slower and more stable plane, while a higher wing loading means a faster and more agile plane. You can use online calculators, such as this one, to help you find the optimal wing loading for your plane.
4. Step 4: Decide on a wingspan. The next step is to decide on the wingspan of your plane, which is the length of the wing. The wingspan affects the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the span to the chord of the wing. The aspect ratio affects the efficiency and the maneuverability of your plane. Generally, a higher aspect ratio means a more efficient and less maneuverable plane, while a lower aspect ratio means a less efficient and more maneuverable plane. You can use online calculators, such as this one, to help you find the optimal aspect ratio for your plane.
5. Step 5: Design your fuselage and tail section. The next step is to design your fuselage and tail section, which are the body and the stabilizers of your plane. You need to consider the shape, the size, and the position of your fuselage and tail section. You also need to consider the center of gravity, which is the point where the weight of your plane is balanced. The center of gravity affects the stability and the control of your plane. Generally, you want your center of gravity to be slightly ahead of the center of lift, which is the point where the lift of your plane is balanced. You can use online calculators, such as this one, to help you find the optimal center of gravity for your plane.
6. Step 6: Decide how to transport your plane. The last step is to decide how to transport your plane, which is an important factor to consider if you want to fly your plane in different locations. You need to consider the size, the weight, and the durability of your plane. You also need to consider the ease of assembly and disassembly of your plane. You may want to design your plane in a way that allows you to detach the wing, the tail, or the fuselage, or to fold them for easier transportation. You may also want to use materials that are light, strong, and flexible, such as foam board, balsa wood, or carbon fiber, for your plane.

Examples of RC Plane Designs

To give you some inspiration and ideas, here are some examples of RC plane designs that you can use or modify for your own plane:

• The FT Explorer: This is a simple and versatile RC plane that can be built with foam board and basic tools. It has a modular design that allows you to change the wing, the tail, and the nose of the plane. It can also be configured as a glider, a trainer, or a sport plane, depending on your preference.
• The FT Mini Scout: This is a small and agile RC plane that can be built with foam board and basic tools. It has a classic design that resembles a World War I fighter plane. It can perform loops, rolls, and other aerobatic maneuvers. It is ideal for beginners who want to learn how to fly RC planes.
• The FT Viggen: This is a fast and sleek RC plane that can be built with foam board and basic tools. It has a delta wing design that gives it a futuristic look. It can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h and can fly in both high and low angles of attack. It is suitable for intermediate to advanced pilots who want to experience the thrill of flying a jet-like plane.
• The FT Corsair: This is a realistic and scale RC plane that can be built with foam board and basic tools. It has a gull wing design that mimics the famous American fighter plane from World War II. It can fly smoothly and gracefully, and can also handle some mild aerobatics. It is perfect for hobbyists who want to enjoy the beauty and history of flying a scale plane.

These are just some of the examples of RC plane designs that you can find online.

You can also create your own design by following the steps that we discussed earlier.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and be creative!

FAQs

1. Can you explain more about wing loading and aspect ratio?

These are two important parameters that affect the performance and efficiency of a wing.

• Wing loading is the ratio of the weight of the plane to the area of the wing. It is usually expressed in units of N/m^2 or kg/m^2. Wing loading determines how much lift the wing needs to generate to support the plane in the air. A higher wing loading means a higher lift coefficient, which in turn means a higher angle of attack and a higher induced drag. A lower wing loading means a lower lift coefficient, which means a lower angle of attack and a lower induced drag. Generally, a lower wing loading is desirable for slow and stable flight, such as gliding or soaring, while a higher wing loading is suitable for fast and agile flight, such as racing or aerobatics.
• Aspect ratio is the ratio of the span of the wing to the mean chord of the wing. It is equal to the square of the span divided by the area of the wing. Aspect ratio determines how efficiently the wing produces lift and how much induced drag it creates. A higher aspect ratio means a longer and narrower wing, which has less tip vortices and less induced drag. A lower aspect ratio means a shorter and wider wing, which has more tip vortices and more induced drag. Generally, a higher aspect ratio is preferable for high-altitude and long-range flight, such as cruising or endurance, while a lower aspect ratio is optimal for low-altitude and short-range flight, such as takeoff or landing.

2. How do I choose a motor for my RC plane?

Choosing a motor for your RC plane depends on several factors, such as the size, weight, speed, and style of your plane. You also need to consider the compatibility and efficiency of your motor with your battery, propeller, and ESC (electronic speed controller).

Here are some general steps that you can follow to choose a motor for your RC plane:

• Step 1: Find the purpose of your plane. Do you want it to be fast or slow, agile or stable, simple or complex, realistic or creative? Different types of planes require different types of motors. For example, a glider or a trainer plane would need a low-power and low-speed motor, while a racer or an aerobatic plane would need a high-power and high-speed motor.
• Step 2: Pick your electronics. You need to choose a battery, an ESC, a receiver, a transmitter, and servos that are suitable for your plane and your motor. You need to consider the size, weight, power, voltage, current, thrust, and flight time of your electronics. You can use online calculators, such as this one, to help you find the optimal combination of your electronics.
• Step 3: Estimate the total weight of your plane. You need to add up the weight of each component, including the materials, such as wood, foam, or plastic, that you will use to build your plane. Knowing the total weight of your plane will help you calculate the wing loading, which is the ratio of the weight of the plane to the area of the wing. The wing loading affects the performance of your plane, such as the lift, the drag, the speed, and the stall. Generally, a lower wing loading means a slower and more stable plane, while a higher wing loading means a faster and more agile plane. You can use online calculators, such as this one, to help you find the optimal wing loading for your plane.
• Step 4: Decide on a wingspan. You need to decide on the length of the wing, which affects the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the span to the chord of the wing. The aspect ratio affects the efficiency and the maneuverability of your plane. Generally, a higher aspect ratio means a more efficient and less maneuverable plane, while a lower aspect ratio means a less efficient and more maneuverable plane. You can use online calculators, such as this one, to help you find the optimal aspect ratio for your plane.
• Step 5: Choose a motor. You need to choose a motor that matches the size, weight, power, and speed of your plane. You also need to choose a motor that is compatible with your battery, propeller, and ESC. You can look for the KV rating, which is the revolutions per volt, of the motor, which indicates how fast it spins. You can also look for the wattage, which is the power output, of the motor, which indicates how strong it is. You can also look for the thrust, which is the force that pushes the plane forward, of the motor, which indicates how much lift it can generate. You can use online calculators, such as this one, to help you find the optimal motor for your plane.

These are some general steps that you can follow to choose a motor for your RC plane. However, you may need to experiment and adjust your motor and your electronics to find the best performance and efficiency for your plane.

3. What are some common mistakes to avoid when designing an RC plane?

Designing an RC plane can be a rewarding hobby, but it also requires some careful planning and testing.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when designing an RC plane:

• Choosing the wrong size or type of motor for your plane. The motor should match the weight, power, and speed of your plane, as well as the battery, propeller, and ESC. You can use online calculators, such as this one, to help you find the optimal motor for your plane.
• Ignoring the center of gravity (CG) of your plane. The CG is the point where the weight of your plane is balanced. It affects the stability and control of your plane. You want your CG to be slightly ahead of the center of lift, which is the point where the lift of your plane is balanced. You can use online calculators, such as this one, to help you find the optimal CG for your plane.
• Using the wrong wing loading or aspect ratio for your plane. Wing loading is the ratio of the weight of the plane to the area of the wing. It affects the lift, drag, speed, and stall of your plane. Aspect ratio is the ratio of the span of the wing to the chord of the wing. It affects the efficiency and maneuverability of your plane. You can use online calculators, such as these ones, to help you find the optimal wing loading and aspect ratio for your plane.
• Forgetting to test your plane before flying it. Testing your plane is essential to ensure that it flies well and safely. You should test your plane in a large and open area, with no obstacles or people nearby. You should also check your plane for any damages or defects before and after each flight. You should also adjust your plane if needed, such as trimming the control surfaces, changing the propeller, or moving the battery.

4. How do I test my RC plane before flying it?

Testing your RC plane before flying it is very important to ensure that it flies well and safely. You should test your plane in a large and open area, with no obstacles or people nearby. You should also check your plane for any damages or defects before and after each flight. You should also adjust your plane if needed, such as trimming the control surfaces, changing the propeller, or moving the battery.

Here are some basic steps that you can follow to test your RC plane before flying it:

• Step 1: Perform a pre-flight check. This is a list of checks that you need to do before you fly your plane, such as checking the battery voltage, the transmitter power, the control surfaces, the airframe, the propeller, the landing gear, the motor, the servos, the center of gravity, and the radio signal. You can use a checklist, such as this one, to help you remember all the checks.
• Step 2: Perform a range check. This is a test that you need to do to make sure the radio signal from the transmitter to the receiver is strong enough to fly your plane at a normal distance. You can do this by switching on the transmitter and the receiver, and walking backwards away from the plane for about 30 paces, with the transmitter antenna fully collapsed. As you walk away, move the control sticks and watch the control surfaces of the plane. If they respond correctly, the signal is good. If they twitch or stop responding, the signal is weak and you should not fly.
• Step 3: Perform a glide test. This is a test that you need to do to make sure the plane can glide smoothly and stably without the motor. You can do this by holding the plane in your hand and throwing it gently forward, with the motor off. Watch how the plane glides and lands. If it glides straight and level, the plane is well balanced. If it pitches up or down, the center of gravity is too far forward or backward. If it rolls left or right, the wing is warped or twisted. You can adjust the plane by moving the battery, bending the wing, or trimming the control surfaces.
• Step 4: Perform a power test. This is a test that you need to do to make sure the motor and the propeller are working properly and providing enough thrust. You can do this by holding the plane in your hand and turning on the motor, with the throttle at a low setting. Feel the thrust and the vibration of the plane. If the thrust is strong and smooth, the motor and the propeller are good. If the thrust is weak or uneven, the motor or the propeller may be damaged or loose. You can check the motor connections, the propeller nut, and the propeller balance.

These are some basic steps that you can follow to test your RC plane before flying it.

However, you may need to do more tests and adjustments depending on the type and size of your plane.

You can also check some videos, such as this one, to see how to test your RC plane in more detail.

References:

• RC Plane Designing Calculations, Making, and Flight Test – https://www.electroniclinic.com/rc-plane-designing-calculations-making-and-flight-test/
• Design & Build Your Own Electric RC Airplane – https://www.instructables.com/Design-Build-Your-Own-Electric-RC-Airplane/
• Exploring Large-Scale RC Planes: Design, Performance, Maintenance, and Safety – https://www.swellrc.com/large-scale-rc-planes/
• Best 3D Printed RC Planes You Can Print Today (2023) – https://www.3dsourced.com/guides/3d-printed-rc-planes/
• Aircraft Wing Area and Aspect Ratio – https://aerotoolbox.com/intro-wing-design/
• Aspect ratio (aeronautics) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspect_ratio_%28aeronautics%29
• Bird wing – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_wing
• Wing aspect ratio – https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/302-wing-aspect-ratio
• What Makes The Best Wing Design For A Glider – https://soaringskyways.com/what-makes-the-best-wing-design-for-a-glider-2/